as in charismatic
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
the heroine in the story has an elfin beauty that men find irresistible
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elfin
Before leading me on a tour of the outdoor sets and soundstages, Logan, an elfin presence with a demeanor that splits the difference between fanatical and very nice, greeted me at his office in a repurposed hacienda.
—
Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2020
The elfin Smart car made a noble stab at our market, but is leaving it while remaining in Europe.
—Tom Voelk, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
Advocates say the change, which the agency wants to make permanent, softens protections for the New England cottontail, golden eagle, frosted elfin butterfly and other animals along with some that are subject to separate federal protections.
—USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2020
Cunningham was easily both, and Bozek’s film—narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker—captures both his artistry and his fizzy, elfin charm.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 14 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2020
The elfin Smart car made a noble stab at our market, but is leaving it while remaining in Europe.
—Tom Voelk, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
Advocates say the change, which the agency wants to make permanent, softens protections for the New England cottontail, golden eagle, frosted elfin butterfly and other animals along with some that are subject to separate federal protections.
—USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2020
Cunningham was easily both, and Bozek’s film—narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker—captures both his artistry and his fizzy, elfin charm.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 14 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elfin
Adjective
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By contrast, Arafat was charismatic, his face and persona having come to represent the Palestinian movement.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
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The charismatic truant has since become an archetype of 1980s cool.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Yet each performance feels angled at a slightly different degree, one distinct acting turn making all the difference between a charming scoundrel, a depressed artist, a loyal sidekick, an aloof intellectual, or a precocious kid.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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Add a charming upgrade to wraparound porches with a rocking chair that has a roomy seat and requires minimal upkeep. Bay Isle Home Dawn 2-Person Patio Conversation Set, $213 (orig.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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Very appealing, nicely balanced with notable typicity, appealing grassy notes and almost no bitterness in the finish; beautifully balanced.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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No, there are no rhythmic waves to watch, but the light reflecting off the water, the passing boats, and the occasional wildlife sighting are just as appealing.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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Showcasing this kind of innovation made the company more attractive to creative and tech-savvy talent.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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For starters, native plants are more attractive to pollinators, but they're also perfectly adapted to local growing conditions and will return year after year with minimal fuss.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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Happily, the band’s lineup has remained intact except for one member, and its sublime blend of bluegrass, folk and country is as enchanting as ever.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
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The interiors are equally enchanting, with a spacious floorpan that makes this rental especially ideal for families.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Within a few hours of opening, the place is a smash hit—until a trio of vampire hillbilly musicians, led by Jack O’Connell’s scarily seductive Remmick, show up at the door, begging with utmost politeness to be let in.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 June 2025
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Flavors, although less seductive than aromas, include yellow apples.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elfin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elfin. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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